While the world’s attention will be focused on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Real Salt Lake will take advantage of the MLS break to play one of the most attractive matches on its calendar, the Utah club confirmed an international friendly against Burnley FC of England, a match that will be played on July 15 at America First Field in Sandy.
The news has generated interest among soccer fans in the United States, especially within the Hispanic community, as it is a rare opportunity to see an English team compete in Utah.
Burnley will arrive in Utah in the middle of the World Cup
The match will mark the English club’s first visit to the Wasatch Front since Manchester United played in Utah in 2017.
Burnley is one of the historic institutions of English soccer.
During his career, he has won two league championships in England and is one of a small group of teams that have won all four professional divisions of the English soccer system.
In addition, there are important links between the two organizations.
David W. Checketts, founder of Real Salt Lake, is on Burnley’s board of directors.
Alan Pace, current president of the English club, also had a hand in the management structure of the Utah outfit.
Another attention-grabbing detail is the presence of NFL legend J.J. Watt as an investor in Burnley along with his wife Kealia Ohai, a Utah-born former professional player.
An important test for Real Salt Lake
The friendly between Burnley and Real Salt Lake comes at a key moment for the team coached by Pablo Mastroeni.
RSL has been one of the most competitive teams in the Western Conference.
He is looking to keep pace during the season break caused by the 2026 World Cup.
For the coaching staff, facing a European opponent represents a valuable opportunity to evaluate the level of the squad before the resumption of MLS play.
In addition to offering competitive minutes, the match will allow players to test themselves against a different style of play.
Something that is usually beneficial for the sporting development of any team.
This is a rare opportunity
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A summer full of international soccer
The match against Burnley will be just the beginning of a busy schedule for Real Salt Lake.
After the World Cup break, the Utah club will also participate in the Leagues Cup 2026, a tournament that brings together MLS and Liga MX teams.
As part of that competition, the U.S. team will host three Mexican clubs: Tigres UANL, Atlante and FC Juárez.
These games generate special interest among Hispanic fans in the United States.
They tend to respond with great enthusiasm when Mexican teams visit U.S. territory.
Match Date and Tickets
The friendly between Real Salt Lake and Burnley FC is scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at America First Field in Sandy, Utah.
The club announced that general ticket sales will begin on June 12.
While subscribers will have early access to purchase their tickets.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.